Students kick off fundraising to dance at Special Olympics

More than a dozen special needs students will be raising funds over the next few months so they can dance in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles in July.

Heartbeat, a group that’s part of the 24VII Dance Force studio in Kaneohe, is selling Pizza Hut menu items and fundraising at their upcoming performances on Oahu.

Dee Ferrick, whose daughter Chelsea is a member of Heartbeat, said, "It’s a huge honor as our kids will not only be representing Hawaii but also the USA."

Their goal is to raise $32,000 for 13 dancers and at least 13 adult chaperones, according to coordinator Renee Jung. Most of the dancers attend Castle and Mililani high schools. The eldest is 28 and the youngest is 14.

Former Miss Hawaii titleholders Ashley Layfield and Jonelle Layfield started Heartbeat several years ago while choreographers for 24VII Dance. Now living in California, the sisters applied for a performance spot in ceremonies to open the 2015 Special Olympics, and are organizing special needs dancers to perform with the Hawaii group, Jung said.

To raise funds for their trip, Heartbeat is receiving a percentage of sales from regular Pizza Hut menu items and the company’s $10 Literacy Cards, which entitle customers to discounts. Orders must be accompanied by a Heartbeat flier. Orders may be placed on Pizza Hut Pizza Nights on April 15, May 25, June 10 and July 6. Neighbor Islanders can also use the flier, Jung said.

More information about making a donation to Heartbeat is available at 808ne.ws/1xhNoYW.

Heartbeat will perform and set up fundraising concession booths at the following events:

» Thursday: 3 p.m. at the Hawaiian Civic Club’s Prince Kuhio Celebration, Waimanalo Homestead Halau, Building 6, 41-253 Ilauhole St.

» April 3 and 4: 24-7 NextGen concerts at the Paliku Theatre in Kane­ohe; for tickets, visit: 247danceforceprizm.bpt.me.

» June 6: K.E.L.I.I. (Keiki Education Living Independent Institute) Foundation Car Show at Kapolei High School.

For information, contact Jung at 255-4305 or jungm001@hawaii.rr.com.